Blood Proficiency Testing Scheme (B-PTS)

The European testing scheme open to European Blood Transfusion Laboratories

The Blood Proficiency Testing Scheme (B-PTS) is a form of External Quality Assessment (EQA) that uses inter-laboratory comparisons to determine the performance of Blood Establishments laboratories responsible for the testing of individual blood donations. This scheme supplements each laboratory's own internal quality control procedures by providing an external measure of their testing capabilities.

Participation in the scheme provides laboratories with an objective means to assess and demonstrate the reliability of their data. This helps to build mutual trust between European Blood Establishments, which is an important element of an effective common system for the testing of blood donations.

Six B-PTS studies are organised each year.

Who organises the Scheme?

The EDQM organises, co-ordinates and manages the scheme. The EDQM designs and organises the activity according to "ISO/IEC 17043:2010 Conformity Assessment - General Requirements for proficiency testing".

The activity is funded both by the Council of Europe/EDQM and the European Union and implemented by the Council of Europe/EDQM.

Who can participate?

Following registration, any European Blood Establishment (BE) laboratories of member countries and observers countries to the CD-P-TS in charge of the testing of individual blood donation can participate.

Achievements in 2018

In 2018, an average of 67 laboratories participated in each B-PTS study, covering 33 countries from the Council of Europe and European Union. The 6 B-PTS studies carried out in 2018 were: